Oaksbury Farm Vegetable and Quinoa Salad
A vibrant and hearty salad featuring roasted seasonal vegetables from Oaksbury Farms tossed with fluffy quinoa and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 45 minutes pairs quinoa, water, medium (about 1 cup) zucchini, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium (about 1 cup) zucchini, diced
- 1 large (about 1 cup) red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large (about 1/2 cup) carrot, sliced
- 1 small (about 1/2 cup) red onion, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water until water runs clear. Combine quinoa with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 1 cup diced zucchini, 1 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup sliced carrot, and 1/2 cup sliced red onion with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Spread vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized on edges.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and remaining 1/4 tsp black pepper to make the dressing.
- Step 6: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oaksbury Farm Vegetable and Quinoa Salad take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Oaksbury Farm Vegetable and Quinoa Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep quinoa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oaksbury Farm Vegetable and Quinoa Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Oaksbury Farm Vegetable and Quinoa Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Oaksbury Farm Vegetable and Quinoa Salad?
Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.